“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. 2 So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. 3 Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! Interlude
4 A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. 5 God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it. 6 The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble! God’s voice thunders, and the earth melts! 7 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Interlude
8 Come, see the glorious works of the Lord: See how he brings destruction upon the world. 9 He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire. 10 “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” 11 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Interlude” Psalm 46
God our refuge,
We are not sure when some of the Psalms were written, like this one written by one of the sons of Korah. Korah. He and those of his family stood by him got swallowed up in the ground for his sin of rebellion against Moses! (Numbers 16). But 1 Chronicles9:19 tells us some must have survived and continued to serve you as gatekeepers of the Tabernacle. So would have continued in future generations to serve at the Temple.
In the King James version the word Selah is used rather than interlude. But they both intend to make us stop, pause and consider what we have just read. I wonder if this was written in a time of trouble perhaps just before Hezekiah came to the throne and restored the Temple and brought a time of peace?
Part one speaks to putting our trust in You, God even in troubled times. The earth melting a reminder of Korah the writers forefather getting his just rewards? Part two speaks to putting our faith in You, God who is present with us, and more importantly fully able. Part three reminds us who You are and therefore what You, Lord can do. And whose Father has the largest army! Help us to take time to digest our daily bread. To allow it to feed our thinking, our understanding and outflow into our actions. For You are trustworthy, more than able and are here among us Your people wherever we are in the world..
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday 24th July 2025
God is our strength and refuge,
our present help in trouble,
and we therefore will not fear,
though the earth should change!
Though mountains shake and tremble,
though swirling floods are raging,
God the Lord of hosts is with us evermore!
There is a flowing river
within God’s holy city;
God is in the midst of her-
she shall not be moved!
God’s help is swiftly given,
thrones vanish at his presence-
God the Lord of hosts is with us evermore!
Come, see the works of our maker,
learn of his deeds all-powerful:
wars will cease across the world
when he shatters the spear!
Be still and know your creator,
uplift him in the nations-
God the Lord of hosts is with us evermore!
Lyrics: Richard Thomas Bewes